Multi-positioning therapeutic and comfort pillow

ABSTRACT

A multi-positioning support cushion or support device, such as a pillow is provided. The device is constructed with dual generally opposed convex surfaces being convex about axes that may intersect and are substantially normal to one another. In other embodiments, different angular relationships between the generally opposed convex surfaces may be selected. The pillow is constructed of a multi-layer design, in which a fill material is selected with properties desired for the relative level of comfort and support sought. The fill material then is optionally surrounded by one or more layers of materials, such as a casing and/or a second fill layer. Optionally there are no additional layers.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to therapeutic and comfort pillows,and other cushions and supports such as can be used in various positionsand for alternative uses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Various types of therapeutic or orthopedic pillows and cushionsare known. Likewise various forms of comfort pillows and cushions areknown. However, these types of known pillows and cushions are frequentlyfunction and use specific. For example, a commonly known sleeping pillowincludes a cushioning material such as foam or feathers held within acasing upon which a person can position their head and sleep. Othertypes of pillows are known such as head support pillows such as might beused in traveling on an airplane. One example of such a travel pillow isillustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,349 B1. That travel pillow has aU-shape for cradling the head and neck of the user while sitting in ahigh backed chair or seat. The pillow includes a casing stuffed with afill material.

[0003] Another known support pillow is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.6,279,185 B1. This is an example of a U-shaped cushion for beingpositioned about the torso of a user. Examples of use are to rest thearms when in a sitting position, or alternatively to position a baby inproximity for feeding.

[0004] Various other types of therapeutic pillows are also known.Examples include pillows shaped for orthopedic back support or supportof other body areas. One such known pillow, by way of example, has awedge-shape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention alleviates to a great extent thedisadvantages of the known therapeutic and comfort pillows by providinga multi-positioning support pillow and/or cushion. In one embodiment,the pillow is constructed with at least one set of dual generallyopposed convex surfaces. In an embodiment, the dual generally opposedconvex surfaces are convex about axes that intersect and aresubstantially normal to one another. In other embodiments, differentangular relationships between the generally opposed convex surfaces maybe selected.

[0006] Various materials and layer structures are used. A single layermay be used. Alternatively the pillow is constructed of a multi-layerdesign, in which a fill material is selected with properties desired forthe relative level of comfort and support sought. The fill material thenis optionally surrounded by one or more layers of materials, such as acasing and/or a second fill layer.

[0007] Other applications of the structure, other than pillows can beused. These can include devices that are incorporated in other devicessuch as chairs, sofas and recliners. Toy devices can be constructed inaccordance with the invention as well.

[0008] These and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill be appreciated from review of the following detailed description ofthe invention, along with the accompanying figures in which likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an embodiment of a device inaccordance with the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 2 is second perspective view of an embodiment of a device inaccordance with the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a first plan view of a device in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a second plan view of an embodiment of a device inaccordance with the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a side view of a device in accordance with the presentinvention; and

[0014]FIG. 6 is another plan view of a device in accordance with thepresent invention rotated approximately ninety degrees from the viewshown in FIG. 5;

[0015]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a device inaccordance with the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a devicein accordance with the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 9 is an axis representation of a device in accordance withthe present invention;

[0018]FIG. 10 is a first perspective view of a device in accordance withthe present invention including illustration of axes;

[0019]FIG. 11 is a second perspective view of a device in accordancewith the present invention including illustration of axes;

[0020]FIG. 12 is a first plan view of a plural generally opposed concavesurfaces device in accordance with the present invention; and

[0021]FIG. 13 is a second plan view of a plural generally opposedconcave surfaces device in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In the following paragraphs, the present invention will bedescribed in detail by way of example with reference to the figures.Throughout this description, the preferred embodiments and examplesshown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations ofthe present invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers toany one of the embodiments described herein, and any equivalents.Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “present invention”throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments mustinclude the referenced feature(s).

[0023] In accordance with the present invention, a multi-positioningpillow 10 is provided. It should be understood that the term “pillow” asused in this description includes pillows and other padded devices, forexample pads, padded supports and cushions. Likewise, “pillow” should beunderstood to include devices that are not cushioned or padded, and thatare relatively hard—which embodiments are discussed further below. Thepillow 10 includes two or more generally opposed convex surfaces 20, 30.In a preferred embodiment, there are two generally opposed convexsurfaces 20, 30, the surfaces being convex about axes that intersect oneanother. In a preferred embodiment, the axes also are substantiallynormal to one another. The dual surfaces 20, 30 are illustrated togetherin the perspective views shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 10 and 11.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 10, it is seen that surface 20 is convexand facing generally downwards in the illustration. Of course thisorientation is for illustration purposes only and in use, the pillow 10can be positioned in any orientation desired by the user, as discussedin more detail below. Likewise, the orientations of the other figuresare for illustration purposes only. The opposed convex surface 30 in theposition illustrated in FIG. 1, is facing generally upwards. Theillustrations in FIGS. 2 and 11 are of this same embodiment generallyrotated about the axis illustrated as axis A-A in FIGS. 10 and 11. InFIGS. 2 and 11, convex surface 20 is facing generally upwards andsurface 30 is facing generally downwards.

[0025] The illustration in FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the pillow 10 inwhich only surface 20 is seen. Surface 30 is opposing it, and is shownin the rotated view shown in FIG. 4. The view shown in FIG. 4 is rotatedabout axis A-A (as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) from the view shown in FIG.3.

[0026] The illustration in FIG. 5 shows a side view of the pillow 10 inwhich only surface 20 is seen. Surface 30 is shown in the rotated viewshown in FIG. 6. The view shown in FIG. 5 is rotated about axis C-C (asshown in FIGS. 10 and 11) from the view shown in FIG. 6.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiments, the surfaces 20, 30 are curvedabout axes, as illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 9. Surface 20 isconvex about axis A-A, as represented by curve vector A′ and surface 30is convex about axis B-B, as represented by curve vector B′. It shouldbe understood that any degree of curvature is represented by the curvevectors A′ and B′. Curve vectors A′ and B′ can be equal, or one can belarger than the other, representing a larger amount of curvature. In theillustrated embodiments, the surfaces have different angular shapes,surface 20 having a smaller curvature than surface 30, as is seen incomparison of FIGS. 5 and 6. However it should be appreciated thatgenerally opposed convex surfaces of any amounts of curvature can beselected. For example, in an alternate embodiment, surface 20 has alarger curvature than surface 30. In another embodiment, surface 20 andsurface 30 have substantially the same curvatures.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment the surfaces 20, 30 are rotatedapproximately ninety degrees from one another (i.e. substantially normalor perpendicular to one another). In other words, axes A-A and B-B areapproximately ninety degrees from one another, in the same plane.However, it should be understood that different angles of rotation canbe used. For example, axis A-A could define an angle of 60, 75 or 80degrees (or other angles) with axis B-B.

[0029] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the pillow 10 is constructed ofa multi-layer design, in which a fill material 110, 120 is selected withproperties desired for the relative level of comfort and support sought.The fill material then is optionally surrounded by one or more layers ofmaterials, such as a casing 130 and/or a second fill layer 120. Asillustrated in FIG. 7, a fill material 110 forms a central core. Acasing 130 is positioned around the fill material. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 8, there are two inner layers, fill material layer110 and fill material layer 120, layer 110 being within layer 120. Thecasing 130 is positioned around the fill materials. Optionally there areno additional layers, making the pillow consist of material 110 shapedin the desired way.

[0030] In one embodiment, fill material 110 is formed of a polyurethanebased foam. Likewise fill material 120 may be formed of a polyurethanebased foam with the same, or different properties. An advantage of usingsuch a material is that it retains its shape, while still allowing forcompression and spring back in use. In one embodiment, a casing is notused, as the polyurethane material retains its shape without theassistance of a casing 130. Alternatively, a casing 130 can be used,such as to enhance visual appearance or comfort as well.

[0031] A particular fill material can be selected depending on theparticular physical properties desired, including for example, thedesired levels of specific weight, elongation, uncompressed density,compressed density, deformation rate, elasticity and bounce back rate.For example, a slow bounce back would act like a memory foam, whichmaybe desirable for use with a pillow 10. Alternatively a fast bounceback may be desired to retain the shape of the pillow 10.

[0032] Any other fill material may be used as well, which will providethe properties sought, such as for a relative level of comfort andsupport sought. For example other types of polymer or cellulosic foamsmay be used. Other materials may be used as well, such as rubber,feathers, down, paper crumpled or shredded or other cellulose basedmaterials, natural or synthetic fibers, etc. The fill materialoptionally may include plural discrete particles, such as foam pellets,other discrete or pelletized materials such as feathers, wood, down,chips etc. Scents also can be incorporated in the fill material (or thecasing). It should be noted that in embodiments having two or morelayers of fill materials (such as the two fill layer 110, 120 embodimentillustrated in FIG. 8), the layers can be made of the same material ordifferent materials, or combinations of same and different materials.Likewise, if the same materials are selected, the properties of thedifferent layers may be varied. It should be noted that the individualfill layers can be non-uniform or mixtures of different materials. Oneexample would be a fill layer comprised of down and foam pellets.Another example would be a fill layer comprised of two types ofpolyurethane based foam.

[0033] Optionally the pillow 10 may be constructed of a relatively hardor rigid material. This would be of particular value for applications inwhich a support, exercise or harder massage effect is desired. Forexample, the pillow 10 may be constructed of a rubber, a wood, a plasticor a metal. Optionally the relatively hard or rigid material may serveas a fill material 110 that in turn is generally enclosed within asofter fill material 120 and/or casing 130 (or multiple fill layers).For examples of softer fill materials are discussed above, such as foammaterials.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the fill material is positioned withina casing 130. Any desired color and properties of the casing may beselected that allow the device to have a desired shape, and desiredproperties such as of comfort, support or resiliency, etc. In anembodiment in which the fill material is unlikely to retain its ownshape (such as feathers), the casing can be selected to impart a desiredshape to the pillow 10. In one embodiment, a fabric casing 130 is used.Optionally, the casing may be constructed of two or more pieces offabric sewn together along seams 210.

[0035] In operation, the multi-positioning pillow 10 can be used in anyway desired by a user. Various examples have been performed. In oneexample, the pillow was a neck support, in which it was positionedbehind a user's neck. For example, the pillow was positioned withsurface 20 against the user's neck and surface 30 against a surface,such as chair back. Due to the convex curvature of surface 30, thepillow could be rocked providing a massaging effect for the neck.Likewise several other portions of the pillow 10 were positioned againstthe neck to provide various comfort positions and variations. Forexample, one of the sharper edges was be positioned against the neck, toproviding a higher pressure effect. In another example, the pillow was atravel pillow, in which it was positioned between a user and an airplaneseat—including between the user's back and neck and the seat. Variousorientations were used depending on the desired comfort position. Inanother example, the pillow was an orthopedic back support pillow. Inthis example, the pillow was positioned with surface 30 against theuser's lower back and surface 20 against a surface, such as chair back.Due to the multitude of surfaces available other pillow orientationswere selected as well, providing multiple support and comfort positions.In another example, the pillow was used for resting, being positioned invarious positions between the user's head and/or neck and a sleepsurface. In another example, the pillow was used as a support for a userreclining on a flat surface on a bed or floor. In another example, thepillow 10 was used as an exercise device in which it is positioned so asto be used to provide a rocking motion taking advantage of its curvedsurfaces. The exercise function is well suited such as for leg exerciseto stimulate blood flow, such as especially in long periods of sittingsuch as in a vehicle or airplane, or in an office environment. It shouldbe appreciated from these examples that the pillow 10 of the presentinvention can be used in multiple positions and for a multitude ofsupport, orthopedic and comfort purposes.

[0036] Although a multi-positioning pillow 10 has been used in thisdescription to describe the invention, it should be understood that anyother device having generally opposed convex surfaces can be created aswell. For example, a plush toy can be created having dual opposingconvex surfaces 20, 30. A casing 130 can be selected having a character,design, or shape enhancement for a toy. Likewise, the pillow 10 can beincorporated in another device, such as a sofa, chair or sleeping bag.Likewise, casing 130 can optionally incorporate pockets, or have affixedthereto a doll, or other child's toy, such as a toy car, or a plush toycar. In addition, carrying straps can be affixed to the casing 130.

[0037] It should also be understood that a single purpose pillow can bedesigned in accordance with the present invention. For example, a highlevel of curvature of surface 20 is desirable in one embodiment of afoot exercise or foot support pillow. A low level of curvature ofsurface 20 and/or 30 is desirable in one embodiment of an orthopedicback pillow, while a high level of curvature of surface 20 and/or 30 isdesirable in another embodiment of an orthopedic back pillow. It alsoshould be understood that any number of dual generally opposed convexsurfaces may be selected. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and13, plural pairs of generally opposed convex surfaces are selected. Inthe illustrated embodiment, pillow 300 includes a first pair of opposingconvex surfaces 310 and 320, and a second pair of opposing convexsurfaces 330, 340. The second pair 330, 340 is rotated, such as aboutpoint D, in relation to the first pair 310, 320. Point D generallycorresponds to the location of axis C-C illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.Any amount or rotation may be selected, and also any number of opposingconvex surface pairs may be selected at any angle, or plane of rotation.In the illustration, surfaces 310 and 330 are convex in the samedirection as each other; surfaces 320 and 340 also are convex in thesame direction as each other. Alternatively, surfaces 310 and 330 may beconvex in different directions from each other, and their respectiveopposing convex surfaces 320 and 340 respectively would be convex indifferent directions from each other.

[0038] In one example, a pillow 10 was constructed of a polyurethanebased foam having the following properties: specific weight—24.3 kg./m³,elongation—190%, normal density—137 kPa, permanent deformation—4.5%, andcompressed density—3.3 kPa. In this example, a casing 130 was notprovided, although alternatively casing 110 and layer(s) having otherproperties may be included as well. Of course it should be understoodthat numerous other properties combinations of polyurethane based foamor other materials can be selected, depending on the physical propertiesdesired for the device.

[0039] Thus, it is seen that a support or cushioning device is provided.One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can bepracticed by other than the preferred embodiments which arc presented inthis description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, andthe present invention is limited only by the claims that follow. It isnoted that equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in thisdescription may practice the invention as well.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-positioning pillow comprising: a firstconvex surface; and a second convex surface, the second convex surfacebeing generally opposed to the first convex surface.
 2. Themulti-positioning pillow of claim 1 wherein: the first convex surface isconvex about a first axis; and the second convex surface is convex abouta second axis intersecting the first axis.
 3. The multi-positioningpillow of claim 2 wherein the first and second axes are substantiallyperpendicular in relation to one another.
 4. The multi-positioningpillow of claim 2 wherein the first and second axes are substantiallyco-planar.
 5. The multi-positioning pillow of claim 1 wherein: the firstconvex surface has a first curvature; and the second convex surface hasa second curvature, the second curvature being different from the firstcurvature.
 6. The multi-positioning pillow of claim 1 wherein the firstconvex surface has approximately the same curvature as the second convexsurface.
 7. The multi-positioning pillow of claim 1 further comprisingthird and fourth convex surfaces, the third convex surface beinggenerally opposed to the fourth convex surface.
 8. The multi-positioningpillow of claim 7 wherein: the third convex surface is convex in thesame general direction as the first convex surface; and the fourthconvex surface is convex in the same general direction as the thirdconvex surface.
 9. The multi-positioning pillow of claim 1 wherein thepillow is constructed of a formed polyurethane based foam, the first andsecond convex surfaces being surfaces of the polyurethane based foam.10. The multi-positioning pillow of claim 1 wherein the pillow isconstructed of a polyurethane based foam enclosed within a casing, thefirst and second convex surfaces being outer surfaces of the casing. 11.The multi-positioning pillow of claim 1 wherein the pillow furthercomprises: a first fill layer; and a casing generally enclosing thefirst fill layer, the first and second convex surfaces being surfaces ofthe casing.
 12. The multi-positioning pillow of claim 1 wherein thepillow further comprises: a first fill layer, the first and secondconvex surfaces being surfaces of the casing; and a casing generallyenclosing the first fill layer.
 13. The multi-positioning pillow ofclaim 11 wherein the first fill layer includes a polyurethane basedfoam.
 14. The multi-positioning pillow of claim 11 wherein the firstfill layer includes at least one pelletized or particulate material. 15.The multi-positioning pillow of claim 12 wherein the first fill layerincludes a polyurethane based foam.
 16. The multi-positioning pillow ofclaim 12 wherein the first fill layer includes at least one pelletizedor particulate material.
 17. The multi-positioning pillow of claim 1wherein the pillow further comprises: a first fill layer; a second filllayer generally enclosing the first fill layer; and a casing generallyenclosing the second fill layer, the first and second convex surfacesbeing surfaces of the casing.
 18. The multi-positioning pillow of claim1 wherein the pillow further comprises: a first fill layer; a secondfill layer generally enclosing the first fill layer; and a casinggenerally enclosing the second fill layer, the first and second convexsurfaces being surfaces of the casing.
 19. A cushioning or supportdevice comprising: a first convex surface; and a second convex surface,the second convex surface being generally opposed to the first convexsurface.
 20. A toy comprising the cushioning or support device of claim19.
 21. A cushioning or support means comprising: a means for providinga first convex surface; and a means for providing a second convexsurface wherein the second convex surface means is generally opposed tothe first convex surface.